Tuesday, Feb. 13, 2001

DC COMICS FOR MAY

Following are DC Comics' solicitations for May, with information coming from the company.

BATMAN TITLES

BATMAN: LEGENDS OF THE DARK KNIGHT #143

Written by Chuck Dixon; art by Jim Aparo and John Cebollero; cover by Cebollero.

Part 2 of the 4-part "The Demon Laughs." Ra's al Ghul wants a perfect world -- a world devoid of any and all human beings. The Joker, on the other hand, wants to see a world devoid of just a single person -- Batman -- and the Joker's agreed to help Ra's with his plan if Ra's returns the favor.

32 pages, $2.25, arrives in stores on May 2.

BATMAN #591

Written by Ed Brubaker; art by Scott McDaniel and Karl Story; cover by McDaniel.

Ed Brubaker returns as ongoing writer with "Shot Through the Heart!" One of Batman's deadliest foes -- the assassin known as Deadshot -- returns with his crosshairs aimed directly at a big-shot mafia mouthpiece. Will the Dark Knight intervene in time?

Crooked cops in Gotham City are committing daring and deadly crimes. Has GCPD Blue been corrupted, or are there darker forces at work? The Dark Knight's determined to get answers. Plus, a backup tale written Ed Brubaker and illustrated by Steve Leiber. Months after "Officer Down," Oracle takes a look at the effects that her father's departure has on Gotham's police force and the crime they strive to stop. Is there life after Gordon?

40 pages, $2.50, arrives in stores on May 9.

BATMAN: GOTHAM KNIGHTS #17

Written by Devin Grayson and Joe Kelly; art by Roger Robinson, Aron Wiesenfeld and John Floyd; cover by Brian Bolland.

Part 2 of the 2-part "Matatoa." Batman battles for his life with the eternal shaman whose destiny includes killing the Dark Knight and taking on his nocturnal crimefighting duties...forever. It would secure Batman a safe, crime-free Gotham for all eternity -- but at what cost to him and his city? This issue contains a shocking revelation. Plus, a black-and-white backup "A Moment In The Light," written by Joe Kelly and illustrated by Aron Wiesenfeld.

40 pages, $2.50, arrives in stores on May 30.

AZRAEL: AGENT OF THE BAT #78

Written by Dennis O'Neil; art by Sergio Cariello and James Pascoe; cover by Tony Harris.

When a long-forgotten movie serial inspires a rash of grave robberies, only Azrael can get to the bottom of the crimes. Why is this movie so important to the criminals? And who is the secret mastermind behind their ghoulish deeds? Learn the shocking answer in "The Amazing Adventures of Captain Death!"

32 pages, $2.50, arrives in stores on May 9.

BATGIRL #16

Written by Kelley Puckett; art and cover by Damion Scott and Robert Campanella.

When a young boy's father plans to commit a robbery in order to put food on the table, the boy turns to Batgirl for help in stopping him. But the crime takes a deadlier turn than expected - and Batgirl must decide whether to restore the boy's family or take the father down for good.

32 pages, $2.50, arrives in stores on May 16.

BATMAN BEYOND #21

Written by Hilary Barta; art by Rick Burchett and Dan Davis; cover by Brian Stelfreeze.

One of the most popular episodes of the Batman Beyond cartoon show featured a futuristic version of the JLA -- the Justice League Unlimited -- and now they appear for the first time in a comic book. Batman teams up with the JLU in a high-voltage adventure as they battle a new villain called Blacklight.

32 pages, $1.99, arrives in stores on May 30.

BATMAN: GOTHAM ADVENTURES #38

Written by Scott Peterson; art and cover by Bob Smith and Terry Beatty

Robin and Batgirl track down a ski-masked criminal who is targeting middle-aged males and sending them to the hospital. But what connection does this have to little-league hockey games?

32 pages, $1.99, arrives in stores on May 2.

BATMAN: LEAGUE OF BATMEN #2

Written by Doug Moench; art by Mark D. Bright and Romeo Tanghal; painted cover by John Van Fleet.

The Elseworlds mini-series concludes. Tallant's crime-fighting force, the League of Batmen, has been helping humanity survive a world ravaged by war and disease -- but now it's time for a final confrontation with true evil. Tallant and the League prepare for an all-out assault on the man who killed Tallant's father: the demonic Ra's al Ghul.

48 pages, $5.95, arrives in stores on May 23.

BIRDS OF PREY #31

Written by Chuck Dixon; art by Michael McDonnell and Butch Guice; cover by J.G. Jones.

It's star-crossed love and the gentle art of...stalking your friends? Jason Bard, detective extraordinaire, is called in to track the movements of Black Canary. But who called him onto the case, and why? And speaking of Canary, who's that tall, dark stranger she seems to have formed a special friendship with? Here's a hint: He's old. He's really, really old. Featuring guest-pencils by newcomer Michael McDonnell.

32 pages, $2.50, arrives in stores on May 23.

CATWOMAN #94

Written by John Francis Moore; art and cover by Staz Johnson and Wayne Faucher.

Final issue. It's the end of Catwoman as readers knew her, as the series goes out with a bang. Selina may have beaten back the source of the inner demons that have plagued her, but that doesn't mean she's cured. Time is running out, and she's got to get out of Gotham - quickly. Meanwhile, Deathstroke is in town, and he's got more than sight-seeing planned. Note: Be sure to check out the 4-part backup serial starting next month in Detective Comics #759, as legendary DC character Slam Bradley begins his search for Catwoman.

32 pages, $2.25, arrives in stores on May 30.

HARLEY QUINN #8

Written by Karl Kesel; art by Pete Woods and Mark Lipka; cover by Terry Dodson and Rachel Dodson

Guest artists Pete Woods and Mark Lipka illustrate an issue that delves into Harley's past. Ex-FBI profiler Dr. Cary Chispazo and her cohorts in bounty hunting, Surley and Donner, think they've found the start of the mess that grew up to be Harley Quinn. A field trip to Gotham State University uncovers some rather disturbing and unknown facts about Miss Harleen Quinzell. Plus, a plot against Harley begins.

32 pages, $2.25, arrives in stores on May 9.

NIGHTWING #57

Written by Chuck Dixon; art by Rick Leonardi, Jesse Delperdang and Mark Farmer; cover by Greg Land and Drew Geraci.

Captured by the minions of Shrike, Nightwing comes face-to-face with the one man who has dedicated his life to exterminating the former Robin. Chained in a warehouse, surrounded by deadly ninjas and staring into the face of his archenemy -- how in the world is Nightwing going to get out of this one?

32 pages, $2.25, arrives in stores on May 9.

ROBIN #90

Written by Chuck Dixon and Scott Beatty; art and cover by Pete Woods and Andrew Pepoy.

Robin must survive the savage attack of many, many...mini-yeti? So they look goofy -- but they're extremely deadly, and Robin's going to need some help. Problem is, he's in the middle of infiltrating an enemy's stronghold -- a very powerful, globe-spanning, off-their-rockers enemy stronghold. Meanwhile, the object of Robin's quest, Danny Temple, falls further under the seductive spell of power and evil. Will this be the one mission where Robin won't be bringing anyone home?

32 pages, $2.25, arrives in stores on May 23.

SUPERMAN TITLES

Written by Jeph Loeb; art by Dale Keown and Cam Smith; cover by Ed McGuinness and Smith.

Mongul is back to settle the score with Superman and he's not alone. He's brought his lovely sister, Mongal, to share in the kill. But the Man of Steel is not without his own backup, and Krypto's bite is far worse than his bark.

32 pages, $2.25, arrives in stores on May 2.

ADVENTURES OF SUPERMAN #592

Written by Joe Casey; art by Mike Wieringo and José Marzan, Jr.; cover by Wieringo and Terry Austin.

New regular penciller Mike Wieringo joins the book. Jimmy Olsen and his pals are out to play the ultimate video game, but Metropolis's advanced technology soon transports Superman's pal into a deadly virtual world, one that Strange Visitor may be helping to empower. In this game, you don't get extra lives.

32 pages, $2.25, arrives in stores on May 9.

SUPERMAN: THE MAN OF STEEL #114

Written by Mark Schultz; art and cover by Doug Mahnke and Tom Nguyen

It's the return of the Eradicator, and he brings with him prophesies of the end of our world. If Superman can survive the latest encounter with his old ally, he may learn the startling truth behind the Eradicator's madness. Plus, how does the Eradicator fit into what Superman has just learned about his true origins?

32 pages, $2.25, arrives in stores on May 23.

ACTION COMICS #779

Written by Joe Kelly; art by Duncan Rouleau, Jaime Mendoza and Marlo Alquiza; cover by Kano and Alquiza.

Superman finally comes face-to-face with the man who's been trying to kill him for over a year -- and if Strike Force Superman doesn't come to the rescue, the killer may finally succeed.

32 pages, $2.25, arrives in stores on May 30.

SUPERBOY #88

Written by Joe Kelly and Eddie Berganza; art and cover by Pascual Ferry and Keith Champagne.

Out of respect for his friend's wishes, Superboy took the Guardian's DNA, preventing Project Cadmus from carrying out the U.S. government's orders to clone the fallen super-soldier. Unfortunately, the Kid's gonna have to face the DNAngels, a trio of genetically spliced lethal ladies, as well as pay the serious consequences for his actions...especially since he was a wee bit too late, and he's the guardian of a baby Guardian.

32 pages, $2.25, arrives in stores on May 16.

SUPERGIRL #58

Written by Peter David; art and cover by Leonard Kirk and Robin Riggs.

Linda Danvers has a serious problem. Her traveling companion, Buzz, has been poisoned and is close to death. As Supergirl, she can only call on one man to save him, none other than Doctor Fate of the JSA. With Fate intervening, perhaps readers will learn just what's kept Buzz...um...buzzing for so long -- and how he might be saved.

32 pages, $2.25, arrives in stores on May 23.

SUPERMAN ADVENTURES #57

Written by Dan Scott; art by Cameron Stewart; cover by Mike Manley and Terry Austin.

In "Four-Point Perspective," four eyewitnesses recount a battle between Superman and Kalibak of Apokolips, and how their lives have been affected by what they've seen.

32 pages, $1.99, arrives in stores on May 16.

SUPERMAN: WHERE IS THY STING?

Written by J.M. DeMatteis; art and cover by Liam Sharp.

Death comes for the one person who has the potential to live forever: Superman! Even Doomsday couldn't kill the Man of Steel - and this version of death is hungry to finally claim him.

64 pages, $6.95, arrives in stores on May 16.

DC UNIVERSE TITLES

THE ATOM ARCHIVES VOL. 1 HC

Written by Gardner Fox; art by Gil Kane and Murphy Anderson; cover by Kane.

The mighty Atom's first Silver Age adventures are chronicled in his first-ever Archive Edition featuring battles with such foes as Chronos and the Floronic Man! This volume reprints Showcase #34-36 and The Atom #1-5.

A "lost" 80-Page giant presents classic team-ups of Martian Manhunter and Green Arrow (The Brave and The Bold #50), Batman and the Flash (The Brave and The Bold #67), The Boy Commandos, Sandman and Sandy, the Guardian and the Newsboy Legion (Detective Comics #76), and Captain Atom and Nightshade (Captain Atom #85 -- first series).

80 pages, $5.95, arrives in stores on May 30.

THE FLASH #174

Written by Geoff Johns; art by Scott Kolins and Doug Hazlewood; cover by Brian Bolland.

In "Moving Right Along," the Flash (Wally West) and his lovely bride Linda take a break from all the recent action, watching their favorite hockey team play a game. But the fun is interrupted when the latest addition to the Rogues Gallery debuts.

32 pages, $2.25, arrives in stores on May 30.

GREEN ARROW #4

Written by Kevin Smith; art by Phil Hester and Ande Parks; painted cover by Matt Wagner.

The JLA guest-stars as the "Quiver" storyline continues, reestablishing the Emerald Archer into the DC Universe. Oliver Queen reunites at last with his former JLA teammates, but the League is quite confused, to say the least. Meanwhile, the Star City Slayer continues his murder spree.

32 pages, $2.50, arrives in stores on May 30.

GREEN LANTERN #138

Written by Judd Winick; art by Dale Eaglesham and Rodney Ramos; cover by Darryl Banks and Rich Faber.

"Away From Home," Part 1 of 4. Kyle and Jade are sent to an exotic planet as ambassadors of peace. But when a terrorist act plunges an alien civilization into Civil War, will our heroes choose peace or will they choose to fight?

32 pages, $2.25, arrives in stores on May 2.

GREEN LANTERN: DRAGON LORD #2

Written by Doug Moench; art and cover by Paul Gulacy and Josef Rubinstein.

In ancient China, Jong Li wields the power of the Green Lantern -- the greatest power ever known to man -- but refuses to use it, either to help others or to save his own life from the evil General Shan. But when the mysterious and beautiful concubine Jade Moon is threatened with torture and death, can even Jong Li resist taking advantage of the ultimate weapon?

48 pages, $4.95, arrives in stores on May 16.

GREEN LANTERN: WILLWORLD HC

Written by J.M. DeMatteis; art and cover by Seth Fisher.

How did a young Hal Jordan master one of the most powerful weapons of the universe as Green Lantern? One of Hal's earliest adventures is finally revealed, as he finds himself alone on a world formed entirely of the imaginations of other Green Lanterns.

96 pages, $24.95, arrives in stores on May 23.

HITMAN: WHO DARES WINS TP

Written by Garth Ennis; art by John McCrea and Garry Leach; cover by McCrea.

The latest Hitman collection, reprinting issues #23-28 of the series by Garth Ennis, John McCrea and Garry Leach, finds hitman Tommy Monaghan and his friend Natt targeted by the S.A.S. (Special Air Services) and Don Ferretti (Men's Room Louie). Plus, the story readers thought they would never see: Tommy gets a conscience.

144 pages, $12.95, arrives in stores on May 16.

IMPULSE #74

Written by Todd Dezago; art by Carlo Barberi and Juan Vlasco; cover by Ethan Van Sciver and Wayne Faucher.

In Part 2 of "The Dark Tomorrow," Impulse has gone to the far future, where he's not the only super-speedster. The President has created an army of henchmen with accelerated metabolisms, giving them Impulse's speed! Plus, we meet Impulse as an adult. Just what is he like?

32 pages, $2.50, arrives in stores on May 9.

JLA #54

Written by Mark Waid; art and cover by Bryan Hitch and Paul Neary.

"Man and Superman" concludes as Leaguers fall against an unstoppable weapon, leaving the earth's fate in the hands of the World's Greatest Secret Identities. With six Leaguers fissioned off from their alter egos and their personalities split to dangerous extremes, it might be the end of the JLA (and the world) as we know it. The conclusion of the storyline brewing since last year's "Tower of Babel."

32 pages, $2.25, arrives in stores on May 30.

JLA: BLACK BAPTISM #3

Written by Sean Smith and Ruben Diaz; art by Jesús Saiz and Keith Champagne; painted cover by Tim Bradstreet.

The Black Baptism is upon us. The JLA desperately searches for a way to save Zatanna, Deadman and the Sentinels of Magic as even more heroes fall to the demon mobsters, the Diablos. Meanwhile, the soulless mage Faust has disappeared as the clues to the one behind the sadistic sorcery point straight at him. Has Faust's battle against his evil nature been a ruse? Plus, the terrible fate of Blue Devil.

32 pages, $2.50, arrives in stores on May 9.

JLA: INCARNATIONS #1

Written by John Ostrander; art and cover by Val Semeiks and Prentis Rollins.

The generations-spanning mini-series begins. Set in the earliest days of the original JLA, the new team tries to pull itself out from under the shadow of the venerated Justice Society of America. Unfortunately, this proves to be impossible when the world suffers an attack from the mysterious sorcerer known as Wotan.

48 pages, $3.50, arrives in stores on May 2.

JSA #24

Written by David S. Goyer and Geoff Johns; art by Stephen Sadowski and Michael Bair; painted cover by Andrew Robinson.

"The Return of Hawkman" Part 2 of 3! The new Hawkman and Hawkgirl meet for the first time, only their relationship is not what anyone on the JSA expected -- especially Hawkman himself! Meanwhile, the Sineater enlists the aid of Crypt and Phade to help him annihilate the Justice Society's presence on Thanagar.

32 pages, $2.50, arrives in stores on May 23.

LEGION WORLDS #2

Written by Dan Abnett and Andy Lanning; art by Enrique Breccia; cover by John Cassaday.

The universe-spanning mini-series continues. Ayla Ranzz, the former Legionnaire known as Spark, returns to her home world Winath. Because the planet is populated by twins, Ayla's "solo" status -- ever since her twin brother became one of the Legion Lost -- makes her something of an outcast. Even worse, Winath's crops are being destroyed by freak electrical storms and twisters, and the person responsible for the damage may tie in with the return of another one of Ayla's family members. Plus, eight pages of backup material.

48 pages, $3.95, arrives in stores on May 16.

MARTIAN MANHUNTER #32

Written and illustrated by Tom Mandrake; cover by Mandrake

Deep under the Colorado Rockies, J'onn J'onzz discovers an ancient enemy of his people -- the only natural predator of the Martian race, the B'ool Sporath, the Bloodworms of Mars. Now he must do what no Martian has ever done, defeat these relentless killers...alone.

32 pages, $2.50, arrives in stores on May 2.

ORION #14

Written by Walter Simonson; art by John Byrne, Simonson and Terry Austin; cover by Simonson.

Concluding the 2-part story guest-illustrated by John Byrne and Terry Austin, guest-starring the JLA and Captain Marvel. Orion travels to Earth while the New Gods are hot on his heels...to see Orion dead. Meanwhile, the armed troops of New Genesis thunder through the Himalayas to confront the most powerful man in the universe -- the man with the anti-life equation. Plus, a backup written and illustrated by Simonson.

32 pages, $2.50, arrives in stores on May 16.

THE SPECTRE #5

Written by J.M. DeMatteis; art by Craig Hamilton and Jim Royal; cover by Ryan Sook.

Of all the damaged and villainous souls in the DC Universe, the one most divided and torn apart by the never-ending war between good and evil is Harvey Dent, aka Two-Face. What happens when the new spirit of redemption, Hal Jordan, comes face-to-face-to-face with this most twisted and insane of Batman's foes? Can the Spectre find the goodness within him? Or will Dent's dementia and dark obsessions drive the new Spectre mad? Featuring guest art by Craig Hamilton and Jim Royal.

32 pages, $2.50, arrives in stores on May 2.

STARMAN #79

Written by James Robinson; art by Peter Snejbjerg; painted cover by Andrew Robinson.

The conclusion to the 3-part "1951." The Mist's true plans for Opal's stolen science are revealed. Jack, Hourman and the Starman of 1951 know that danger and madness lie ahead if they are to defeat the villain. But is there more to uncover? And with no one left to do so, is the mentally broken Ted Knight up to the job? Old secrets are uncovered and old heroes return to glory in the thrilling penultimate chapter of Starman.

Superman! Batman! Wonder Woman! Aquaman! The Wonder Twins! Wendy! Marvin! Wonder Dog! They are the Super Friends, and the comic-book version of the classic cartoon show is spotlighted in this trade paperback -- featuring a new painted cover by Alex Ross, reprinting Super Friends #1, 6-9, 14, 21, 27, and Limited Collector's Edition #C-41.

176 pages, $14.95, arrives in stores on May 9.

THE TITANS #29

Written by Jay Faerber; art by Paul Pelletier and Bud LaRosa; cover by J.H. Williams, III and Mick Gray.

Have you ever had a house guest that just wouldn't leave? The titans have five of 'em -- a group of clever young orphans who've decided the Titans are destined to save them -- from what, they won't say. And if a Titans Tower full of young troublemakers weren't enough, just wait and see what happens when an argument breaks out among them. Meanwhile, a character from Tempest's undersea past resurfaces.

32 pages, $2.50, arrives in stores on May 23.

WONDER WOMAN #170

Written by Phil Jimenez and Joe Kelly; art by Jimenez and Andy Lanning; cover by Adam Hughes.

A "day in the life" tale of the amazing Amazon as documented by the intrepid Lois Lane. Lane joins Diana on a trip to the United Nations, to the White House for official business with President Luthor, on a visit with Steve Trevor and Etta Candy, as a guest on a talk show, and more. Before the day is over, Lois finally confronts Diana on her relationship with Superman. But it's not the Man of Steel who seems to have captured Diana's heart...

32 pages, $2.25, arrives in stores on May 30.

WONDER WOMAN: THE GODS OF GOTHAM COLLECTION

Written by Phil Jimenez and J.M. DeMatteis; art by Jimenez and Andy Lanning; cover by Adam Hughes.

An affordable introduction to superstar writer/artist Phil Jimenez's first story arc from Wonder Woman. Reprinting issues #164-167 with no interior ads, Gods of Gotham features Wonder Woman, Troia, Wonder Girl, and Artemis facing possessed versions of the Joker, Poison Ivy and the Scarecrow -- guest-starring Batman, Nightwing, Robin and the Huntress,

96 pages, $5.95, arrives in stores on May 16.

YOUNG JUSTICE #33

Written by Peter David; art and cover by Todd Nauck and Lary Stucker.

Wonder Girl and Empress join the former Arrowette on the set of the hit TV show "Wendy the Werewolf Hunter." But things get hairy when they find themselves facing real werewolves. Uh-oh -- what some folks will do for ratings.

Cow and Chicken get mixed up with organized crime in "The Delivery Boy;" Courage the Cowardly Dog gets trapped in his owner's deadly dreams in "Scream a Little Dream;" and Baboon and Weasel become ocean castaways in "Water on the Brain!"

32 pages, $1.99, arrives in stores on May 23.

DEXTER'S LABORATORY #23

Written by Bobbi JG Weiss and James Denning; art by John Delaney, Matt Jenkins and Jeff Albrecht; cover by Chris Savino and Bill Wray.

Uh-oh! Dexter has Dee-Dee Vision! Could he be stuck with his stupid sister's eyesight forever? Plus, summer vacation has left the school science lab all scummy, and Dexter's determined to tidy it up - even if his clock gets cleaned in the process.

32 pages, $1.99, arrives in stores on May 30.

LOONEY TUNES #78

Written by David Cody Weiss, Frank Strom, Mike DeCarlo, and Terry Collins; art by David Alvarez, Howard Simpson, John Costanza, and DeCarlo; cover by Alvarez and DeCarlo.

Beginning this issue, a classic Looney rivalry hits prime time as Elmer hosts a TV fix-it show and Bugs throws a monkey wrench into the mix. Plus, Daffy and Porky become superspies, and Sylvester is forced to guard Tweety with his life.

Surf's up. The only thing that'll get Buttercup into the water at Townsville Beach is a bunch of increasingly deadly dares by arch-rival Princess! Plus, Bubbles becomes a famous artist, but Mojo Jojo's out to color her blue.

Mystery Inc. digs a reenactment of an 11th-century Viking battle, but those ghost Vikings roaring through the British countryside aren't part of the show. Also, the gang's personalities get all mixed up by a mad scientist. Can they escape a moat monster while trapped in one another's minds?

32 pages, $1.99, arrives in stores on May 9.

WILDSTORM PRODUCTIONS TITLES

BAY CITY JIVE #1

Written by John Layman; art and cover by Jason Johnson and Sean Parsons.

Sugah Rollins must deal with karate-master assassins, Chinese demon-lords, outlaw bikers, vigilante cops, hippie occultists, genius gadgeteers, and a curvaceous but deadly cat burglar. And the year's 1976. This issue will ship with a variant cover. All orders will be comprised of covers by J. Scott Campbell (25 percent) and Jason Johnson and Sean Parsons (75 percent).

32 pages, $2.95, arrives in stores on May 2.

GEN13 #65

Written by Adam Warren; art by Kaare Andrews and Jason Martin; cover by Warren.

The action-packed conclusion to the 2-part "Superhuman Like You." At a hotel party gone horribly wrong, Gen13 finds itself in superhuman battle with other enraged members of the "young, hot and gen-active" community. Heavy-duty property damage abounds, amazing and uncanny powers are unleashed, already skimpy clothes get torn, bystanders' mouths are left agape, and...you'll have to buy the issue to find out more.

32 pages, $2.50, arrives in stores on May 16.

JENNY SPARKS: THE SECRET HISTORY OF THE AUTHORITY TP

Written by Mark Millar; art and cover by John McCrea and James Hodgkins.

Last year's hit mini-series follows former Authority leader Jenny Sparks at pivotal points in her history detailing her first meetings with the new team's members -- which, not so coincidentally, correspond to pivotal points in 20th-century history.

120 pages, $14.95, arrives in stores on May 9.

JEZEBELLE #5

Written by Ben Raab; art and cover by Steve Ellis and Luke Rizzo.

"Seance and Sensibility," Part 2. For centuries, Harper Harrison's family has fought the many faces of evil. But never before had her ancestors encountered a menace as bizarre as the extradimensional terror known as the Cretin. There's only one thing in the universe that can satisfy this mechanized monster's lust for conquest: magic. In order to achieve his twisted goals of revolution on his homeworld, he must have the power of the Soulstone. And the only way he's gonna get it is over Jezebelle's dead body.

32 pages, $2.50, arrives in stores on May 23.

THE MONARCHY #4

Written by Doselle Young; art by John McCrea and Garry Leach; cover by McCrea.

In Part 2 of "Vox Populi," Addie Vochs comes face to face with misplaced destiny, but a century squandered is an awfully long time, and Addie may have come into hernew life too late. Meanwhile, Jackson King takes a trip into the head of his comatose ex-boss, Shinya Hoshino, and sows the seeds for the future of the Monarchy.

32 pages, $2.50, arrives in stores on May 16.

MONSTER WORLD #1

Written by Scott Lobdell; art and cover by Carlos Meglia.

Four tots are sent into space to hibernate, grow and learn before they reach their destination -- but their journey is cut short and they're awakened at only seven years old. Now they must face a world of monsters all on their own.

32 pages, $2.95, arrives in stores on May 9.

OUT THERE #1

Written by Humberto Ramos and Brian Augustyn; art and cover by Humberto Ramos and Sandra Hope.

A small town has been taken over by demons, and the townsfolk are trading their services for a better life. But four youths rebel against the underworld underlings, using their newly received mystical powers to try to save the day. This issue will ship with a variant cover. All orders will be comprised of covers by Carlos Meglia (25 percent and Humberto Ramos and Sandra Hope (75 percent).

32 pages, $2.50, arrives in stores on May 23.

STAR TREK: DIVIDED WE FALL #1

Written by John Ordover and David Mack; art and cover by Andrew Currie and Richard Bennett.

The crews of The Next Generation and Deep Space Nine must stop a Trill Civil War from causing any more harm and destruction. This exciting crossover features the comic-book debut of brand-new members of the Deep Space Nine crew introduced in Pocket Books' new line of Star Trek novels.

32 pages, $2.95, arrives in stores on May 9.

WILDCATS VOLUME 2 #23

Written by Joe Casey; art and cover by Sean Phillips.

Grifter, tracking a group of Coda to New York, has a sexy, and unexpected, close encounter of the bone-breaking kind with an old flame. Meanwhile, can Spartan save Void after she is trapped in otherspace? And what about Agent Wax? This issue will ship with a variant cover. All orders will be comprised of covers by Whilce Portacio (25 percent) and Sean Phillips (75 percent).

This issue begins with "Space Family Strong," illustrated by acclaimed artist Hilary Barta, where Tom Strong and company find themselves at the far end of the universe discovering the hazards of space travel. Then fasten your seat belts for another rocket ride when artists Chris Sprouse and Al Gordon explore a different side of the cosmos in which readers take a candid glimpse at...Tom and Dhalua's honeymoon.

Guest artists Joyce Chin and Arthur Adams contribute a shocking rendition of Cobweb. Meanwhile, Hilary Barta delves into the elastic realm of Splash Brannigan, Rick Veitch feels his way through the dark world of Greyshirt, and Jim Baikie, well... readers'll just have to wait and see what he has in store for the funky First American.

32 pages, $2.95, arrives in stores on May 23.

HOMAGE COMICS

DESPERADOES: QUIET OF THE GRAVE #1

Written by Jeff Mariotte; art and cover by John Severin.

The horror/Western series, created by Jeff Mariotte and John Cassaday, returns with an all-new miniseries featuring the return of legendary comic-book Western artist John Severin.

32 pages, $2.95, arrives in stores on May 2.

KURT BUSIEK'S ASTRO CITY: TARNISHED ANGEL TP

Written by Kurt Busiek; art by Brent Anderson and Will Blyberg; painted cover by Alex Ross.

The longest Astro City storyline ever is collected, reprinting issues #14-20. A recently paroled Steeljack finds that life outside of prison may be even harder than his life as a prisoner. This volume features a painted cover by Alex Ross, sketchbook pages by Ross and series artist Brent Anderson, and an introduction by Frank Miller,

224 pages, $19.95, arrives in stores on May 30.

VERTIGO TITLES

100 BULLETS #24

Written by Brian Azzarello; art by Eduardo Risso; painted cover by Dave Johnson.

"Red Prince Blues," Part 2 of 2. As the families of The Trust hold their summit, Agent Graves carefully prepares to make a move against one of the members. Unbeknownst to him, there's another man with his own grudge against a member of the mysterious shadow organization. He may not have the resources at his disposal that Graves does, but he certainly has the nerve.

32 pages, $2.50, arrives in stores on May 2.

AMERICAN CENTURY #3

Written by Howard Chaykin and David Tischman; art by Marc Laming and John Stokes; painted cover by Chaykin.

The Guatemalan Revolution's in full swing as rebels invade the capital city and bodies start piling up. But when one of the bodies turns out to one of Harry Kraft's close friends, it's time for Harry to get out the big guns and start a little revolution of his own. It's two-gun, two-fisted action south of the border where the key to ultimate victory rests on a blood-red pair of stiletto heels.

32 pages, $2.50, arrives in stores on May 16.

CODENAME: KNOCKOUT #1

Written by Robert Rodi; art by Louis Small, Jr. and Mark Farmer; painted cover by Joe Chiodo.

Part 1 of the 3-part "The Devil You Say." After last month's tantalizing #0 issue, Vertigo's "bad girl" returns for more sexy, subversive, super-spy Satire. Angela St. Grace faces a horde of unusual ninjas who hold the key to an astonishing secret about her origins. Also, discover what happened to the original Girl Who Made G.O.O.D. -- and meet a villain whose appearance will alter Angela's life forever. All this, plus the irrepressible Go-Go Fiasco. This issue will ship with a variant cover. All orders will be comprised of covers by Joe Chiodo (50 percent) and Frank Cho (50 percent).

As the mysterious Knight's brutal rampage continues in contemporary San Francisco, everyone plays detective. Venus bribes a homeless man for his account of the violence and, unfortunately, gains a new boyfriend in the process. Television might kill the ever-obnoxious radio star as Anton Marx meets his match in a beautiful but ruthless reporter. And the Pope makes Father Trinidad an offer he can't refuse -- unless the Father wants to see God immediately.

32 pages, $2.50, arrives in stores on May 2.

HELLBLAZER #162

Written by Brian Azzarello; art by Guy Davis; painted cover by Tim Bradstreet.

Guest artist Guy Davis illustrates "Lapdogs and Englishmen." As John Constantine continues his journey across America, he reminisces about his days in the London punk scene as a member of Mucous Membrane. Drunk and on the dole, he and his mate Chas meet an American tourist who may have a mean streak to rival even John's.

32 pages, $2.50, arrives in stores on May 30.

LUCIFER #14

Written by Mike Carey; art by Peter Gross and Ryan Kelly; painted cover by Duncan Fegredo.

The second year of Lucifer fires up with "Triptych" - a series of three interlinked but freestanding stories. Lucifer has taken the irrevocable step from leader of the opposition to practicing deity and he's got something definite to prove: that he can do it better. Meanwhile, Mazikeen faces trial by ordeal and the ultimate in sibling rivalry as she strives to remake her new face in its lost image.

32 pages, $2.50, arrives in stores on May 16.

LUCIFER: DEVIL IN THE GATEWAY TP

Written by Mike Carey; art by Scott Hampton, Chris Weston and James Hodgkins; painted cover by Duncan Fegredo.

The Prince of Darkness is spotlighted in this collection containing The Sandman Presents: Lucifer 3-issue mini-series, as well as the first four issues of the Lucifer ongoing series.

160 pages, $14.95, arrives in stores on May 2.

OUTLAW NATION #9

Written by Jamie Delano; art by Goran Parlov and Goran Sudzuka; painted cover by Glenn Fabry.

Story and his growing band -- fugitives from federal justice -- hide out in "Hell Holes." But once Sheriff John Law learns that Kid Gloves is family and Big Buck is still alive, it's Johnson-justice that Story needs sanctuary from. Meanwhile, trying to do right by his militant cousins and rescue his Mom and Rosa, Sonny walks straight into Kid Gloves' trap.

32 pages, $2.50, arrives in stores on May 16.

THE SANDMAN PRESENTS: EVERYTHING YOU'VE EVER WANTED TO KNOW ABOUT DREAMS BUT WERE AFRAID TO ASK

The first of the monthly The Sandman Presents Specials and mini-series begins. Have you ever wondered if Dreams have dreams of their own? Or what causes nightmares? Or why you should never wake a sleepwalker? These satirical short stories reveal it all.

48 pages, $5.95, arrives in stores on May 23.

SWAMP THING #15

Written by Brian K. Vaughan; art by Giuseppe Camuncoli and Marc Hempel; painted cover by David Mack.

Part 5 of the 7-part "Red Harvest." How did a human Samurai become a lethal assassin working for the Green? We finally learn the origin of Kudzu, the vine-covered warrior whose been tracking Tefe since issue #6. Also, the strange connection between the DDI director and Tefe's past is revealed.

More of Spider Jerusalem's columns from his residency in the City newspaper The Word are featured, running from where the Transmetropolitan: I Hate It Here one-shot left off and concluding with Spider's ultimate departure from the paper, accompanied by artwork from an array of the finest luminaries from both mainstream and indie comics.

The weirdness rides into the sunset with three new stories. Jen Van Meter writes and Dave Taylor illustrates "Bury Me Not on the Lone Prairie," a hilarious story of three ne'er-do-well cowboys on an ill-fated cattle drive. In "Savaged," written by Bruce Jones with art by Cully Hamner, a western traveler learns what dark depths the human soul is capable of reaching. And in "What a Man's Gotta Do," writer Peter Milligan and artist Duncan Fegredo tell the darkly comic story of a (sub)urban cowboy's mid-life crisis.

32 pages, $2.50, arrives in stores on May 9.

DC DIRECT PRODUCTS

BATMAN: WAR ON CRIME SIGNATURE SERIES SIGNED PRINT SET BY ALEX ROSS

Painted art by Alex Ross.

DC Direct introduces its "Signature Series" print sets. This limited-edition print set, framed and printed on mylar, features Ross' portrayal of Batman watching over Gotham City from the oversized painted graphic novel Batman: War on Crime, with Ross supplying new background art for the piece. The print is 10" by 16" (mounted on a 16" by 20" mat) and displays an authentic artist's signature -- packaged with a DC Comics Certificate of Authenticity.

$99.95, arrives in stores on June 20.

GREEN LANTERN ALAN SCOTT SOFT TOY

Engineer Alan Scott discovered the magical battery of power that led him to become the Golden Age Green Lantern. Now, Earth's original Green Lantern becomes DC Direct's first Green Lantern soft toy, a cuddly recreation of one of DC's first and most enduring heroes The toy stands approximately 7.5" high and features embroidered facial features and chest emblem. Packaged in a 4-color window box.

$14.95, arrives in stores on Sept. 12.

GREEN LANTERN HAL JORDAN POWER RING PROP

Sculpted by Sam Greenwell

Hal Jordan, greatest hero of the intergalactic Green Lantern Corps, becomes the second in this new series of Green Lantern power ring props. Hal Jordan's ring is faithfully recreated in green-coated metal, set in a base against a fully sculpted, cold-cast porcelain bust of the hero himself (standing approximately 5" tall and 3.5" wide). The ring is removable from the base but is not intended to be worn. Inscribed around the base is the legend "The Earth's Greatest Green Lantern -- Hal Jordan." Comes with a DC Comics Certificate of Authenticity. Packaged in a 4-color box.

$89.95, arrives in stores on Sept. 12.

KINGDOM COME FULL-COLOR SHAZAM! STATUE

Sculpted and designed by Alex Ross.

Based on the spectacular original statue, this statue is now available in a new, full-color version, The full-color statue is a powerful portrayal of the World's Mightiest Mortal as he appeared in the epic and groundbreaking comic-book series. The statue is cold-cast porcelain, standing approximately 9" tall (smaller than the previously-offered monochrome version) on a base with a brass nameplate and comes with a DC Comics Certificate of Authenticity. Packaged in a 4-color box.

$149.95, arrives in stores on Aug. 29.

MERV PUMPKINHEAD SOFT TOY

From the Dreaming, the realm of the Sandman, comes Merv Pumpkinhead, now as a cuddly soft toy. For centuries, Merv Pumpkinhead has served as the caretaker of the Sandman's castle. Sweeping the floors, washing the windows, polishing the silver...Merv Pumpkinhead doesn't live the soft life. But he is a soft toy. The toy stands approximately 7.375" high and features embroidered facial features. Packaged in a 4-color window box.

$14.95, arrives in stores on Sept. 12.

PLANETARY: THE DRUMMER ACTION FIGURE

The Drummer is a man on the losing side of the fight for sanity who can communicate with machines by tapping in the air with his drumsticks. But who else can Planetary call upon to communicate with the bizarre alien technology they too often confront? The Drummer action figure stands approximately 6" tall, features multiple points of articulation and can be posed on a pegged stand emblazoned with the Planetary logo. Packaged in a 4-color blister pack.

Price TBA, arrives in store on Sept. 19.

PLANETARY: ELIJAH SNOW ACTION FIGURE

Since joining Planetary, Elijah Snow has traveled the world, uncovering its secret history and mysteries one by one -- using his ability to generate freezing temperatures to help him in uncovering mysteries. Elijah Snow stands approximately 6.25" tall, features multiple points of articulation and can be posed on a pegged stand emblazoned with the Planetary logo. Packaged in a 4-color blister pack.

Price TBA, arrives in store on Sept. 19.

PLANETARY: JAKITA WAGNER ACTION FIGURE

Jakita Wagner is a super-powered dynamo -- strong enough to punch out trucks, invulnerable enough to take incredible punishment...and trying desperately to keep from dying of boredom even as her work with Planetary takes her places no human has ever seen. Jakita Wagner stands approximately 6.25" tall, features multiple points of articulation and can be posed on a pegged stand emblazoned with the Planetary logo.

Price TBA, arrives in store on Sept. 19.

PLASTIC MAN PEWTER FIGURE

The seventh pewter figure to be showcased in DC Direct's line of pewter figures modeled on the heroes of the JLA. Measuring 3.625" tall, the pliable hero stands atop a circular base emblazoned with the JLA logo.

$24.95, arrives in stores on Aug. 22.

THE SANDMAN SANDGLOBE

Sculpted by Tim Bruckner.

A memorable moment of history from The Sandman becomes the latest snowglobe from DC Direct. In The Sandman #1, Morpheus, the Sandman of the Endless, was shown to be imprisoned for years in a glass cage by Roderick Burgess. Burgess, who had intended to capture Morpheus' sister Death in order to never grow old, imprisoned the master of Dreams instead. Now this sorrowful moment in the Sandman's existence has been faithfully recreated in The Sandman Sandglobe, standing approximately 5.75" tall, and packaged with a DC Comics Certificate of Authenticity in a 4-color box.

$79.95, arrives in stores on Sept. 5.

POISON IVY MEDIUM STATUE

Sculpted by Barsom; based on designs by Bruce Timm.

Based on designs by Bruce Timm from Batman: The Animated Series comes the Poison Ivy Medium Statue. Batman's femme fatale and criminal protector of the world of vegetation poses invitingly on a base of winding ivy and strewn roses. The statue is a companion to DC Direct's other animated-style statues based on Harley Quinn and Batgirl -- but they are not designed to fit together. The statue is hand-painted, cold-cast porcelain, stands approximately 5" tall x 9" wide x 3 7/8" deep and comes with a DC Comics Certificate of Authenticity. Packaged in a 4-color box.